the word spell (as in magic)?

Question

im writing an english essay i know its like 0.30 am but i need some help, i need to find the origin of the word spell, like magic, iv checked wikipedia btw and no luck

Answer 1

It is a shortening of the Old French word "espeller". Best of luck!

Answer 2

spell (n.)

"incantation, charm," O.E. spell "story, speech," from P.Gmc. *spellan (cf. O.N. spjall, O.H.G. spel, Goth. spill "report, discourse, tale;" Ger. Beispiel "example;" see spell (v.1)). Meaning "set of words with magical powers, incantation, charm" first recorded 1579. Spellbound is attested from 1799, from bound "fastened."

"The term 'spell' is generally used for magical procedures which cause harm, or force people to do something against their will -- unlike charms for healing, protection, etc." ["Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore"]

Answer 3

check dictionary.com

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/spell?qsrc=2890

the 2nd def. is the one ur looking for & it tells u the origin but the thing that they show for the origin doesn't exactly make sense.

check it out just in case.